Despite being one of ABC's hit shows, the network will run just 18 episodes this season.ABC via Getty Images

“Scandal” fans will have fewer episodes to devour this season, as ABC said on Friday it was reducing the drama’s episode order from 22 to 18 episodes.

Though the network didn’t give a reason for the reduction, star Kerry Washington is pregnant and the reduced number of episodes will allow the season to wrap earlier than originally planned.

“Scandal” has grown into a huge hit for ABC in its third season, regularly topping its lead-in, “Grey’s Anatomy.” The most recent episode drew a 3.1 rating and 8.6 million viewers up against NBC’s highly-rated “Sound of Music Live!”

Though its second season aired 22 episodes, the Shonda Rhimes drama’s first season consisted of just seven episodes.